Nepal’s First ‘Tide Arch’ Bridge Completed in Ramdi

Nepal’s first ‘Tide Arch’ motorable bridge has been completed in Ramdi, on the Kaligandaki River, which connects the Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.

The bridge, built using the ‘Concrete Filled Steel Tube Arch Bridge (Tide Arch)’ technology, is 120 meters long and 11 meters wide. It has a capacity to carry loads of up to 70 metric tons, making it suitable for large vehicles.

Design and Construction

The bridge’s design was prepared by a Thai designer, and it is the first of its kind in Nepal. Similar bridges have been built in Bhutan, China, and Dubai.

The construction of the bridge was contracted to Him Sagar Matha Prali, Chitwan, for completion within three years, at a cost of Rs 27.71 crore. However, the project was delayed due to issues with the design and the availability of construction materials from India and technical experts from China.

Replacement of Old Bridge

The new bridge replaces an old truss bridge built in 2028 BS, which had become worn out and was causing problems, especially for heavy vehicles. The old bridge was built along with the Siddhartha Highway and was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Kirtinidhi Bista.

After more than five decades, the old bridge had become increasingly unsafe, prompting the need for a new bridge. The new bridge is expected to provide a safer, more convenient, and efficient transportation link between the Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.

According to Krishna Prasad Adhikari, chief of the Bridge Sector, Pokhara, the new bridge is 27 meters longer than the old one. He added that some minor construction work and painting are still pending, but the bridge is expected to be operational within a month, once the remaining work is completed.